New moms often struggle with sleep deprivation because of changes in lifestyle and daily routine. In such a situation, many women may want to know if it is safe to take sleeping pills when breastfeeding. Most doctors do not advise mothers to take sleeping pills because they may leak into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby. However, if you have considerable trouble sleeping, you may consult your healthcare provider, who may prescribe drugs that have a low ability to pass into the milk. You may also try some effective home remedies to enhance sleep and relax. Read the post to know about the safety of sleeping pills when breastfeeding and the natural remedies that may help you sleep better.
Can I Take Sleeping Pills While Breastfeeding?
There are certain drugs that are safe to take while you are breastfeeding. These are drugs that your doctor will tell you about. Conventional and otherwise unassuming drugs are not as safe as you think while you are pregnant, let alone while breastfeeding. These can mix in your bloodstream and reach the milk that will finally reach your baby. Taking these drugs can also sometimes affect your milk supply and interfere with your baby’s breastfeeding routine. Any drug you take should be checked with your baby’s doctor (1). Any drugs that you take should be checked with your baby’s doctor.
What Sleeping Pills Are Safe To Take While Breastfeeding?
According to most doctors, no sleeping pills are safe to take while you are breastfeeding. In some cases, sleeping pills like zolpidem may be prescribed when you are breastfeeding. This drug mixes in the breast milk at a low level. However, extremely young or preterm babies may experience symptoms such as respiratory depression and low muscle tone (2). Any drugs you take to help you sleep while breastfeeding should first be checked with your doctor.
5 Natural Remedies To Help You Sleep While Breastfeeding:
Taking sleeping pills while you are breastfeeding is not recommended. There are many natural ways that can help you sleep. Try out these tips and tricks that may work in your favor:
1. Sleep With Your Baby Near Your Bed:
In the initial year, you may need to wake up many times in the middle of the night to feed your baby. Sleeping near your baby can help you relax while you are feeding your baby in the middle of the night. This will help you go back to sleep right after your baby has finished feeding (3).
2. Try And Get Power Naps:
Every time that your baby falls asleep, you too try and catch those winks. You may not get long hours of sleep yet as you will be feeding your baby multiple times. Having shorter nap breaks throughout the day can help you prevent feeling too sleepy or tired at night (3).
3. Drink Warm Milk Just Before Sleeping:
Milk contains a good amount of protein and is a good drink for you, especially when you are breastfeeding. It contains L-tryptophan, which is an amino acid. This will raise the level of melatonin in your brain and make you feel sleepy (4).
4. Chamomile Tea:
The herb chamomile is generally considered safe to take while you are breastfeeding. You can have it at bedtime. The calming effects of this herb can soothe and relax your senses and muscles. It will also help reduce or prevent flatulence and cramps (5).
5. Lavender On Your Pillow:
Sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow before you go to sleep. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of this oil on a handkerchief and place it on your pillow. You can also try using roll-on tubes that contain lavender oil. Apply this directly on your temples and forehead or behind your ears to feel calm and relaxed (6).
